Amelia Wiggins joined us on the 2006 delegation trip to El Salvador when she was a teenager. At the February 2nd service she shared how that journey changed the trajectory of her life. These are her inspirational words:
Good morning,
Before I begin, I would like to take a moment to give thanks for the opportunity to be here today, sharing with you a few of my thoughts about a place I hold near and dear to my heart. I had the privilege of joining the 2006 delegation to El Salvador as a 15 year old high school student. At this time, I didn’t know El Salvador was a country, or exactly where it was located geographically, but I knew it was farther than I had ever traveled before. The idea of exploring a new place, and experiencing how other people lived intrigued me. My family questioned my interest in traveling so far with a group of people I barely knew, but as it turns out, I would one day call this place home, and I would cherish the friendships made during that week in El Salvador.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the delegation itineraries, the first several days are spent in and around the capital, San Salvador, learning the history and the political, economic, and social issues facing the country. After this brief introduction to the country and culture, the delegation embarks on a journey to live in community with El Ocotillo. With a better understanding of the people and place we are visiting, spending time with the sister community becomes a meaningful culmination of the trip. Despite the struggles the community has faced in the past, and continues to work through today, they welcome the delegation with a joyful exuberance and make incredible efforts to make us feel at home and to provide us with delicious home cooked meals.
One memory that has always stood out to me was the family I stayed with while in the community. The family chose to sleep together in one room, in one bed, which allowed myself and the two other delegates staying there, to have our own rooms and beds. I was awestruck with such an extraordinary gesture of hospitality, one which I had never experienced back home even with my closest friends, let alone with people I had never met. The generosity I experienced in this tiny village is something I’ll never forget, and I continuously strive to embody the graciousness with which I was received in El Ocotillo.
While living in community with El Ocotillo, we listened to remarkable and sometimes heart-wrenching stories, causing a plethora of emotions to build up in each of us. The willingness these speakers had to express their vulnerability and their deepest concerns about the past and the present was admirable. I didn’t know it at the time, but looking back, I realize opening up and sharing such personal stories requires an immense amount of courage. This was exemplified one chilly evening in the community, as Samuel recounted tales of war, hopes for the future, and disappointments with present day challenges. He fought valiantly for a better future for his children only to witness next to no change decades later. We bore witness to a man’s innermost concerns, and it left us each wiping away silent tears. Samuel is no longer with us, but through his story and his strength to share it, he and his struggles became a part of everyone who was there that night. That is the power of solidarity: transforming another’s experience into one we can relate to and empathize with on a deep and personal level.
The community visit not only helped me understand the true meaning of generosity and courage, it gave me insight about an incredible gift I possess that I was previously unaware of. I realized that it doesn’t matter what you have or what you think you may lack, there is one thing you can always share with others: your time. Time is our most valuable commodity, and it is free to give and to share. It can't send students to college, nor can it rebuild a dilapidated home, but it can build a sense of comfort, security, friendship, and family. As we listen to another’s story, struggle, or celebration, we make an effort to understand their experience; we give them the space to express themselves, and by doing so, we demonstrate our concern and care for that person’s well-being.
Prior to joining the delegation, I didn’t have the faintest idea about what solidarity was, and I still struggle with a succinct definition of it, and I believe that to be caused by its intricacy. For me, solidarity is active engagement with a community; taking on their struggles and joys as your own, forming long-term relationships that lessen the physical and emotional distance between one another, that draw us together in unity. This is at least as important as, or in my opinion, much more significant than the act of charitable contributions. Funding for projects such as building new homes, sending students to school, or obtaining life-saving medication is a necessity, however, these objectives fall into the category of material needs... but what about spiritual and emotional needs? Solidarity bridges the gap between these two facets of service, making the former more meaningful, and the best way to understand the tremendous impact it has on all involved is to experience it first hand.
The 2006 delegation not only broadened my understanding of service, solidarity, generosity, and the power of the gift of time; it impacted my future in tangible ways. Inspired with a newfound passion for Latin America, the Spanish language, and a desire to educate myself about a world I knew little about, I set forth on a journey that would ultimately bring me back to El Salvador.
Following the delegation, I pursued my high school Spanish classes with a new vigor, and after graduation, I attended college and earned a degree in Global Studies and Anthropology with a focus on Latin America. Upon college graduation, I desperately wanted to spend significant time volunteering overseas. I explored a variety of options, including the Peace Corps and teaching English, but after thorough research, I realized I didn’t feel called to these opportunities.
My stroke of luck came in the form of a friendship that began in 2006, and that continues to be important in my life today. When they discovered I was looking for a volunteer opportunity, they emailed me a link to an NGO in El Salvador. The organization was looking for a volunteer to support their delegations and international communications. Perfect! I thought. This would be similar to what I experienced in high school, and would not only allow me to delve deeper into those experiences, it would allow me to give back to a community and a place that had already given me so much. Shortly after reviewing the details of the position, I applied, and was fortunate they accepted my application and invited me to come in December 2013. What was meant to be a one year commitment quickly turned into two, and I likely wouldn’t have left if it weren’t for a burden most people my age are no stranger to: student loan.
My two years in El Salvador flew by as I learned a fair amount about the country, the communities, and the visiting delegations. What truly touched my soul during this time was sharing a place so special to me with others, and witnessing individuals’ discovery of solidarity. While I thoroughly and utterly enjoyed my work, I have to admit, there was a time or two I felt exhausted and it was difficult translating conversation after conversation, especially those bearing a heavy emotional weight. However, the pure and undivided attention the delegations gave to the speakers, and the brilliant questions they asked always motivated me to continue. The powerful gift of one’s time and attention was consistently and beautifully illustrated by the visiting delegations and their respect for the speaker. In those moments, I felt as though I was a conduit through which the stories of our Salvadoran brothers and sisters flowed. What an incredible honor and privilege it was to serve a community in that capacity.
Looking back, it's amazing to see where a 10 day delegation has taken me over the years. When I was asked to speak for today’s services, the answer was an obvious yes. After all, it is thanks to this church, the welcoming fellowship, and the beautiful sister relationship you have built with El Ocotillo, that I discovered one of my life's greatest passions, and I humbly and graciously thank you all for that incredible opportunity.
I invite you to challenge yourself and consider joining a future delegation to El Salvador. Perhaps it won’t change your future in the way it did mine, but I can promise it will leave a lasting impact on your heart, and to experience solidarity with a sister community will enhance your understanding of service to others.
Thank You.